Post-race reflections and race recovery with Krista DuChene

Monday’s Boston Marathon was difficult for Krista DuChene. The runner was coming off of a surprise third place finish at the event in 2018, and was hoping for a top three masters spot and to take home some prize money in 2019. DuChene ended up seventh in the masters division in 2:44:12.

A breakdown of Monday’s race

DuChene said via email that her 2019 build was identical to last year but the race itself couldn’t have been more different. “Last year worked for me. The wind, cold and rain, was ideal after training through a very cold Canadian winter. This year the humidity was a factor for me. Once I heard it was nearly 90 per cent humidity at the start, I immediately adjusted my plan. A few years ago I tried to fight the humidity and it didn’t go well.”

The runner decided to focus on a consistent pace and effort. “Humidity is my nemesis. So I focused on giving a consistent effort. I was concerned the humidity would take its toll on my stomach, but thankfully it didn’t, so I was able to successfully execute my nutrition plan. If that didn’t go well, it would be have been really ugly.”

DuChene admits that she hadn’t done her homework on the calibre of the elite women’s field, and if she had, her goals might have been different. “To be honest, I didn’t look at the elite or sub-elite field. I didn’t know until the technical meeting yesterday that there would be 60-65 women instead of 40 like last year. So with my time goal of 2:40, a top 15 place wasn’t realistic. And if I had researched the competitive masters field, I would have also adjusted that goal.”

Instagram: Krista DuChene

How she feels about the effort

For DuChene, Monday was about surviving. “I’ve been here before and life goes on. We ride the highs and lows. It’s about aging gracefully and having gratitude. I’m happy that I’m still enjoying this sport.” The 2018 Boston third-place finisher has been to the Olympics, stood on a world major podium, and been one of the most consistent runners on the Canadian scene for years.

When two Canadian women passed her today, she was very happy for their accomplishments. “I’m so happy to see Canadian distance women doing so well. When Kate Gustafson passed me today, I was so happy to see another Canadian woman succeeding.”

The recovery plan

The runner says she will take seven to 10 days completely off before returning to some easy running. “I’ll attend the awards ceremony and the athlete party tonight. And then tomorrow I’ll likely walk around Boston and look for some New England clam chowder and sweet treats.” She has no race plans as of now–she’ll start thinking about that once she’s recovered and has had time to talk with her coach, Dave Scott-Thomas.